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PRESS RELEASE:
Agency: Station Area: Written Date: Incident Date: Incident Location: Reporting Officer: File Number(s): Coroner's Release: Update:

OFFICER INVoLVED SHooTING

Moreno Valley Police Moreno Valley July 1, 2012 July 1, 2012 Frederick St and Cottonwood Ave, Moreno Valley Deputy Albert Martinez Public Information Officer MV12183234
2012-05635

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July 24, 2012

Updated Details: On Sunday July 1, 2012, about 4:10 pm, officers from the Moreno Valley Police Department responded to the Moreno Valley Community Park located at the corner of Frederick Street and Cottonwood Ave. The reporting party informed Sheriff's dispatch that a male adult, wearing a grey or green t-shirt was harassing children near the restrooms. The first officer on scene made contact with the subject in front of the restrooms. The officer approached the subject to question him and determine if a crime was being committed. The subject, later identified as 31 year-old Jesus Castillo from Riverside, turned and assaulted the officer. During the struggle Castillo struck the officer in the face several times, and threw the officer to the ground, compromising the officer's vision. While on the ground, Castillo, who was behind the officer, wrapped his legs around the officer's lower body and began choking the officer. Castillo then attempted to remove the officer's duty weapon from its holster. At that moment the officer was in fear for his life and believed he was engaged in a life or death struggle. Castillo was attempting to pull the officer's gun from its holster. The officer, who repeatedly pleaded for help from bystanders, managed to free himself from the headlock, push Castillo away and regain control of his handgun. After pushing Castillo away from him, Castillo began to turn toward the exhausted officer. The officer believed Castillo intended to continue his assault. The exhausted officer, with no other assistance immediately available and fearing for his life, then shot Castillo. During the struggle, a Riverside County Sheriff's helicopter crew, orbiting overhead, feared the officer was about to be killed. The pilot tried desperately to land in order to provide assistance, but due to the presence of numerous people in the park, the helicopter was unable to land. The helicopter radioed an "1199, officer needs help/officer in distress" in hope of getting emergency assistance to the officer as soon as possible. Additional officers arrived on scene after the shooting and immediately rendered first aid to Castillo. CalFire and American Medical Response ambulance service were summoned to the location. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. This is an active investigation. Investigators from the Moreno Valley Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit were called out and assumed the investigation. Several witnesses to

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the shooting were located and have been interviewed. Per standard procedure, a representative from the Riverside County District Attorney's Office was on scene. An initial check of Castillo revealed he has a criminal history dating over a dozen years and was on active probation for a previous assault on a police officer. At the time of the incident Castillo had outstanding warrants for his arrest for driving while intoxicated. The officer involved in the shooting returned to full duty status on July 6, 2012. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is encouraging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Investigator Merrill of the Riverside County Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Cole of the Moreno Valley Police Department at 951-486-6700. Details: On Sunday July 1, 2012 about 4:10 pm, officers from the Moreno Valley Police Department responded to the Moreno Valley Community Park located at the corner of Frederick Street and Cottonwood Ave. The reporting party informed Sheriff's dispatch that a male adult, wearing a grey or green t-shirt was harassing children by the restrooms. The first officer on scene made contact with the subject in front of the restroom. A struggle ensued and an officer involved shooting occurred. Additional officers arrived on scene and immediately rendered first aid to the suspect. Cal Fire and American Medical Response ambulance service were summoned to the location. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators from the Moreno Valley Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit were called out and assumed the investigation. The officer involved in the shooting was placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. The investigation is ongoing. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is encouraging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Investigator Merrill of the Riverside County Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Cole of the Moreno Valley Police Department at 951-486-6700.
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